The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is in advanced talks to welcome at least five more state governors into its ranks, amid a string of recent defections by opposition figures and growing endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
This latest development follows the resignation of the party’s former national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday, and signals deepening fractures within the opposition camp.
APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, revealed that the planned defections are “not speculative” but imminent. We are talking about governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and possibly Abia or Enugu. Within the next two months, you’ll see them join us officially, Arodiogbu stated.
Opposition Realignments Gather Pace
Arodiogbu’s claims come on the heels of several high-profile defections, including that of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who reportedly decamped to the APC with lawmakers and the PDP’s state structure.
Earlier in April, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and a host of federal and state legislators also crossed over to the ruling party in what observers described as a seismic political shift.
Additionally, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term — fueling speculation of quiet alignments, even among opposition blocs.
There are also growing rumours that leaders of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano Governor Abba Yusuf, and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, are covertly backing Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions.
Opposition Mega Alliance Dismissed
Efforts by opposition leaders—particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi—to form a united front have reportedly intensified in response to the defections. However, Arodiogbu dismissed such plans as ineffective. This so-called coalition is just for media headlines. Nigerians are aligning with a party that is delivering—and that is the APC, he said.
Talks Ongoing Across Geopolitical Zones
According to Arodiogbu, discussions are underway with governors across several regions, including those traditionally aligned with the opposition. He mentioned that Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and some Rivers State leaders are part of the negotiation process, though he was less certain about Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. We’re not ruling out Governor Alex Otti of Abia or the Enugu governor either, he added.
He also hinted that Anambra would be a key battleground in 2027, asserting confidence that the state would swing to the APC.
No Endorsement for Soludo, APC Insists
Addressing speculation about a possible 2027 endorsement for Governor Soludo, Arodiogbu was firm. There is no arrangement to back Soludo. President Tinubu has not endorsed him. In fact, when the president visited Anambra to inaugurate the Emeka Anyaoku Centre, we presented our candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu. The president told us to go and win the state.
He criticized Soludo’s leadership, claiming the governor has lost grassroots support. Soludo is no longer popular. He’s spent two years clashing with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and market unions. Now he’s seeking endorsements from the same people he alienated.
Arodiogbu argued that Ukachukwu, a seasoned politician, presents a stronger alternative. Soludo wasn’t even in politics when Ukachukwu was winning elections. We’re confident Anambra will vote APC in 2027.
Mixed Signals in Osun Over Adeleke’s Prospects
Despite Arodiogbu’s hints at possible moves by Governor Adeleke, APC insiders in Osun appear divided.
A source told The PUNCH that key players in the Osun APC—particularly former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and current National Secretary Ajibola Basiru—may not be receptive to Adeleke’s entry, given their aspirations for the 2026 governorship race.
When contacted, Basiru said: To the best of my knowledge, Governor Adeleke has not applied to join the APC. So I can’t comment on what remains speculation.